I know that a lot of people have jumped ship I mean went to play Fallout 4, but for those who are still playing Skyrim and are curious about mods, this journal’s for you. Also, modding can breathe new life into a game you’ve played for the last 4 years.
So, on a pretty regular basis, I’m asked what kind of mods I’m using. On average, I run about 100 mods, but that would take me forever to go through, so I thought I’d share with you the mods falling under the category I-Can’t-Live-Without-Mods. If you download these mods on Nexus, please be kind enough to vote and endorse said mod.
I should say this now before anyone looks to me for help cause that would be a case of the blind leading the blind. This is not a tutorial in any way, shape or form—I don’t have that kind of skill and am a total end-user, though I will most certainly link you guys to tutorials. Please be aware that there are always risks when adding new things to your game or computer. It’s just a fact of life, boys and girls, but being forewarned is nearly as good as being forearmed.
Also, Known Conflicts are just conflicts known by little ol’ me. My shit box (aka computer) is slightly neurotic, hopefully, yours is better.
Also, you will need a Mod Manager. There are a few out there, but I go with Nexus Mod Manager as most of the mods I download are found on Nexus. You can get NMM here: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
It should also be noted that some of these mods are marked mature. Skyrim Romance certainly is along with Atvir Dres. Also, close to the bottom are links to adult mods. So no nine year olds, k?
Also, I’ll be sharing this particular journal entry with the Elder Scroll Club and TES Screenshots Guild. I will also turn it into a not-so-tutorial tutorial for the Bards College.
Category Follower:
First up: Skyrim Romance www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
This is one of my most important mods. Why, you ask? Well, mostly because I have actually had a hand in creating this mod. I was one of the writers for the character Bishop (inspired by the game Neverwinter Nights). I’m really proud of this work. And for those of you who are a fan of the series A Courtesan in Skyrim, you might enjoy playing something that was written by yours truly. Another great thing about this mod is we keep evolving. Bishop’s just the start. Next up is Forbidden Romance, which focuses on the tale of Cael, a young Foresworn Chief, trying to make sense of his world. Also, in addition to new story lines, this mod will be adding animations. Also, Skyrim Romance is a standalone mod, but it’s probably best, especially if you’re running many mods, to use SKSE—but we’ll get to that all in good time.
Before going on, I’d like to give a huge shout out to River Kanoff, the voice of Bishop for bringing my words to life. He can be reached here: riverkanoff.com/
Known Conflicts: Any follower mod, or companion mods. Also on my computer, this mod doesn’t like Haafingar Hall (UNP Merchants).
Also, it should be noted that Bishop comes with short hair. Anybody who knows me knows I like the hair long. So on the far left is an as-is pic, in the middle is my version, and on the right is Cael (coming soon).
Atvir Dres: Last Prince Tear: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Atvir was a major player in my series A Courtesan in Skyrim. Atvir’s tell-it-like-it-is behavior and his in your face attitude is what drew me to this mod (He kind of reminded me of an angsty Bender.) Most followers are meat bags; Atvir is anything but. The mod is great as it is, and that’s a good thing as the developer had to walk away from it. But on a bright note, JanusForebear, has given permission for third parties to develop this, and hopefully someone will take him up on that offer (fingers crossed).
Known Conflicts: None.
Sophia Follower: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
I haven’t played her much, but from what I’ve seen she’s pretty hilarious and much more than a pair of boobs.
Companion Vilja: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
I’m a huge fan of Emma’s works and Vilja was awesome in Oblivion, so I’d imagine she’s awesome here. This mod was featured on Skyrim G.E.M.S, so I’m pretty sure you can’t go wrong there. Again, I’m looking at immersive mods, not just your garden variety pin-up.
For Meat Bags and Pin-Up users there are some follower and companion mods that make life a less drab:
Amazing Follower Tweaks: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Amazing Follower Tweaks Immersive Dialogue: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Follower Commentary Overhaul: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Dynamic Follower Overhaul: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
MFVM More Follower Voice and Khajiit Marriage: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Known Issues: These can mess up standalone companions and followers who already have immersive dialogue. My suggestion: If you’re running an immersive follower or companion, don’t run these. But again, that’s just a suggestion.
Category Character Creation (face and hair):
Pretty Face: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
This is pretty much my favorite, can’t-game-without mod. I place a lot of value on my character creations as I usually end up writing about my OCs. Without this mod there would be no Marceline or Esme, and as I’m kinda partial to those ladies, so yeah, I give this mod a two thumbs up and maybe a couple of toes.
Apachii Sky Hair: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Great hair is a must for me and great hair is found here.
Apachii Sky Wigs: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Variety is the spice of life and I like changing my character’s hair. It’s that whole immersive thing…
The Hairstyler: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Having a bad hair day? Don’t like your hair? Don’t like your boyfriend’s hair? Don’t like Ulfric’s hair? Well, here’s the mod for you! Poof! A new do and whole different outlook!
We’ll get to fun stuff (CLOTHING AND ARMOR) in a second, but first Body and Skeletons as they are needed for most clothing and armor mods out there.
Category Body & Skeletons:
PLEASE NOTE: UNP Opening Pics are a bit graphic. Don’t know why they chose those particular shots.
www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
If you want to dress your character up like a doll, then you need a body type. You can also go for CBBE, but for better clothing variety, I go for UNP.
FNIS Skeleton: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
This is necessary for so many mods, that it’s sort of a must have. The walkthrough is pretty easy, so no issues. Tutorials can be found on this page too. (Thank God). No, actually it’s pretty easy.
HDT High Heels System: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…
Again, one of those mod necessities. Pretty easy install. You won’t even know it’s there.
Category Clothing and Armor (YAY!):
Haafinger Hall: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Being in the social work field is akin to making a vow of poverty, but since I can’t always afford to go shopping, I can shop vicariously through my OC. This mod is my go-to for most of my character’s clothing and armor necessities (and extras). It’s just so easy to come here and get all the stuff you need in one fail swoop. Bad Ass Awesome Stuff. There are literally hundreds of outfits to choose from. Knock yourself out.
Known Issues: This mod can be picky. It’s one of the few I end up down loading manually as that’s what works best for me. Also, if for some reason this doesn’t work or is in conflict with other mods, you can just look up all the vendors and download the outfits that way.
Arkis Store: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Can be found in Whiterun behind Belethor’s. Great place to craft, buy, enchant outfits. Also, you can hire a Daedric Prince Companion. ‘Nuff said.
SC Noble Dresses: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Wanna look like a princess? Want to be the best dressed gal at the ball? Want to rub noses with the courtiers at the Blue Palace? Well then, this is the mod for you! I love this mod and have used it in many of my Screen Shots.
Skyrim Ambrosia Fashions: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
An oldie but a goodie. And so close to Riverwood! Right across the river, to be exact. This has also been used in several of my screenshots.
Elrids Armor Mash Up: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
This is just a great little outfit. It looks awesome and goes with so many things. The armor is craftable
UNP Mini Dresses: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Just a mini version of the standard lore dresses. All dresses are craftable. Just have the long version in your wardrobe.
Category Weapons
Well, this is easy. I really only use Dragonbane, but when I want to shake things up I go to the following mod:
Gizmodian Oblivion Weapons for Skyrim: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?Craft ‘em or get them at the Drunken Huntsman. They’re pretty awesome! And they’re pictured throughout this journal entry.
Category Abodes and Add-Ons
Dragonbridge Manor: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
This is my all time favorite modded abode. I use it in many of my screenshots. It’s lovely and functional too. Tons of room and storage space. It also has a stable, crafting station, bee keeper, some kind of stone and outside benches and balconies too. The Complete Package.
Stoop Over Markarth: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
One of my absolute favorite addons. It adds to Vlindrel Hall. Just the perfect place to have a glass of wine and watch the sun set. This was one of the inspirations to Chapter 6: Stoop Over Markarth.
Category Poses: For the love of a Screen Shot.
I love making Screenies and only rarely do action shots come out perfectly. So there are pose generators that make us the director of our very own photo shoot.
Let’s start off with a fun one. Okay, how many people have wanted to take shots of themselves while holding a weapon? Oh, me, me, me, me! Well, here’s the answer:
ANICAM Hotkey: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Now you can look at yourself prior to gutting some dumb milk-drinker. Please be advised that this mod requires Script Dragon, which you can find here: www.dev-c.com/skyrim/scriptdra…
Skyrim Puppeteer Master: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
I use this tool for the majority of my screen shots. Must have. Also, you might want to download the PDF showing the different poses. I use a journal highlighting all my favorites.
Pretty Female Idles: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Tired of the same damned stance? Well, here’s your answer. I wish I had found this one sooner. Also check out Pretty Sitting Idles: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Scripting and Other Necessities:
SKSE:
What is SKSE? It’s some magical device that lets your more complicated mods run more efficiently. Actually it is a scripting device and many, many mods now require it. You can find it here:
You must install manually! I do not recommend using any mod manager for install! Download the 7zip file on to your desktop. Then watch the tutorial.
Tutorial: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTGnQI…
Sky UI
What is Sky UI? Well, it friendly little UI mod that most mods require. It makes your game run better and that’s the best way I can describe it. You can find it here: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
You need SKSE to run it first. This is another tutorial that combines the two. This guy uses Steam, but you can use Nexus.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=172DWC…
Adult Mods:
Not going into the gory details. You guys can check them out at will.
AP: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
Better Males: www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/…?
And finally, a way to make your screenshots pop, particularly if you’re too chicken to try ENB (that would be me). Introducing GIMP. It’s like photoshop, but free. Here’s the link: www.gimp.org/
I, personally like version 2.6, but really it’s up to the artist.
I hope you guys have enjoyed MOD TALK. Feel free to add your favorite mods in the comments section.
PS: Here are all the mods I use with Morrowind:
